Senior Congress leader and former Union Home Minister Shivraj Patil passed away on Friday at the age of 90, prompting tributes from political leaders across party lines who remembered him as a dignified statesman and a committed public servant.
Patil breathed his last at his residence ‘Devghar’ in Latur, Maharashtra, following a brief illness. His death marks the end of a long and influential public life that spanned several decades and saw him hold some of the highest constitutional and administrative positions in the country.
Leaders from the NCP (Sharad Pawar), Congress, Shiv Sena (UBT), and the Maharashtra Assembly expressed profound grief at his passing. NCP (Sharad Pawar) MP Supriya Sule highlighted the long association between Sharad Pawar and Shivraj Patil, noting that the two leaders had worked closely for many years. She described Patil as a dignified leader who leaves behind a significant legacy.
Congress MP Sukhdeo Bhagat called Patil a disciplined and towering personality in national politics. He said Patil’s lifelong dedication to public service made his loss deeply felt, extending heartfelt condolences to the bereaved family.
From the Shiv Sena (UBT), leader Bhaskar Jadhav also expressed sorrow, recalling Patil’s commitment to principled public service throughout his long tenure in Maharashtra and national politics.
Maharashtra Assembly Speaker Rahul Narwekar noted that Patil, a former Speaker of the Lok Sabha, played an important role in bringing recognition to Maharashtra on the national stage. He said Patil’s passing is a significant loss to both the state and the country.
A seasoned parliamentarian, Shivraj Patil served as India’s Union Home Minister from 2004 to 2008. Prior to that, he held the constitutional office of Lok Sabha Speaker from 1991 to 1996. He later served as Governor of Punjab and Administrator of Chandigarh from 2010 to 2015.
Patil is survived by his son Shailesh Patil, daughter-in-law Archana, a BJP leader, and two granddaughters. His death brings to a close a distinguished career marked by decades of service, leadership and contributions to India’s political and administrative landscape.
